Here's the symptoms I've noticed today:

- The refrigerator is not cooling at all but it sounds like it is running.
- At best, the freezer is blowing warmer air; warmer than fridge air
- I can't tell if the compressor is actually running - unit is in a tough location and would only be able to access later this week to confirm anything via removing the back cover

Unit is approximately 40 months old - here's the vital statistics:

Make: Whirlpool
Model: ET8MTKXKQ03
Serial#: EP3116512

I've done some digging on this forum but can only guess that this may be a start relay issue. Can someone point me in the right direction, and ideally to the specific parts I need to order?

You guys rock! I've been able to complete my last three repairs thanks to your direction!
Thanks in advance!

Andy

Thanks Andy,

It sounds like either your start relay/overload or your compressor is bad, You will need to pull it out from the wall and remove that back access cover and ohm that relay/overload for continuity.

Jake

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Thanks for the quick response.

Just to be clear, if the relay tests OK for continuity, then that implies the relay is good, and the compressor is suspect. Correct?

Yes, correct, and if its the compressor, you have a 5 yr. parts and labor warranty on it, so Whirlpool will change it for free.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

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OK here's the latest:

I pulled it out from the wall and removed the back access cover. With an ohm meter I tested the relay/overload for continuity.

I tested both continuity and resistance. Received reading of 120V between red and white leads on the starter relay with the fridge in "chill" mode. Fan was spinning but no noise from relay or compressor.

I also tested continuity with fridge in "off" mode but plugged in. No continuity on ohm meter in this mode.

Sounds correct so far to me. I removed the start relay - actually it was two pieces - I hope that's correct. Shook it gently - rattled some but I couldn't tell if the lift spring that puts the solenoid in position is good or bad.

So....

Can I now say the relay is good, and I need to have Whirlpool replace the compressor? If so, what's the best way to contact Whirlpool and report this warranty repair without having to prove to them that the relay is good?

Thanks again!

It does sound like your relay and overload are ok, but to be on the safe side, I would take your overload and relay down to your local appliance parts store, and they can test them their to verify, if the relay and overload tests good for them, then contact Whirlpool to have a tech. come out, they will have to anyways to verify and order the compressor.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

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Yep - relay and overload are OK. Waiting for warranty replacement compressor and repair tech. Thanks for all of the info.

Ok, sounds good.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances